Richard Sherman: Bad calls only reason Seattle lost

Although the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, preventing Seattle from clinching the NFC West title, cornerback Richard Sherman was unimpressed, blaming the loss on "questionable calls" from officials in the game, ESPN reports.

In comments after the 19-17 loss, Sherman said he expected the Seahawks (11-2) would crush the 49ers (9-4) at Candlestick Park.

"We didn't project it to be this way," Sherman said, according to the 49ers' official website. "We expected to blow them out, but they got the benefit of a few calls tonight throughout the game, and that helps you especially on third down. We will see them again, and it will be a different result."

Sherman was called twice for defensive holding on third-down plays Sunday. The 49ers accepted one of those penalties, which led to a field goal.

The 49ers had Michael Crabtree back in the lineup for Sunday's game. The receiver, who is back from an Achilles injury, wasn't with San Francisco when it fell 29-3 at Seattle in Week 2.

The Seahawks had won seven in a row since an Oct. 6 loss at Indianapolis. They also had taken their last two meetings with the 49ers, both at home, by outscoring San Francisco 71-16.

Crabtree had four catches for 40 yards Sunday and his presence also allowed Anquan Boldin, who was held without a catch in Week 2, to finish with six receptions for 93 yards.

Sherman was adamant, however, that Crabtree's presence "didn't make a difference."

"I didn't make a difference at all," he said, according to NFL.com. "The penalties, that is what made the difference today."